By Darin “We’re not going to lose the ball until we put it across.” Those were the words of Captain Frank Wickhorst during the most high-stakes drive in the history of the Service Rivalry. In 1926, with an undefeated season and a National Championship on the line at the dedication of Soldier Field, Wickhorst’s iron will proved to be the difference maker. A punishing two-way tackle who nearly played his career alongside Red Grange, Wickhorst instead chose the Naval Academy, where he became the heart and soul of a team that refused to be beaten.
Football Bio
March 18, 1905 – Aurora, Illinois – The Navy two-way tackle from the mid-1920s, Frank Wickhorst, credited his birth date. The NFF shares a great story also from the 1926 season. Late in the game, Army led 21-14 and threatened to end Navy’s bid for an unbeaten season. Navy had the ball on its own 30, and time was running out on the Middies.
Frank Wickhorst, the Navy captain, huddled his team and said, “Do you guys see that goal line down there?” pointing beyond the Army defense. “We’re not going to lose the ball until we put it across.” Moments later, Alan Shapley scored for the Midshipmen and Hall of Famer Tom Hamilton kicked the conversion point to provide a 21-21 tie and preserve Navy’s undefeated status.
The Inspirational Wickhorst was honored as an All-American that season. It could have played out differently for Navy and Frank, though, because as a freshman, he played on the line of Illinois with Red Grange in the backfield! An appointment to the Naval Academy was the catalyst for the change of teams. After his military service, Wickhorst served as the Head Coach of Football at California.
Conclusion
Frank Wickhorst was the embodiment of the “Service Academy” spirit—a fierce competitor whose leadership was as impactful as his physical play on the line. By leading Navy to a share of the 1926 National Championship in front of the largest crowd in football history at the time, he secured a permanent place in the annals of the Midshipmen. His transition from a freshman teammate of Red Grange to a legendary Navy captain and later the head coach at Cal shows a life dedicated to the game. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970 serves as a final salute to one of the most inspirational linemen to ever wear the blue and gold.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1970.
- Consensus All-American: 1926.
- Navy Team Captain: Led the 1926 National Championship team.
- National Champion: Member of the undefeated 1926 Navy squad (9–0–1).
- Soldier Field Dedication Hero: Anchored the line in the legendary 21-21 tie against Army.
- Three-Year Letterman: Earned letters in every season at the Naval Academy (1924–1926).
- World War II Veteran: Co-founded the Naval Pre-Flight Training Program with Tom Hamilton.
- Head Coach, University of California: Served as the Golden Bears’ head coach in 1946.
- USNA Hall of Fame: Inducted for his contributions to Navy Athletics.
